Today Ridgid introduced their latest tool—an 18V heated jacket. What we love about this jacket is that it includes three heated zones plus heated pockets (each individually controlled, and with three modes: High (Red), Medium (White) and Low (Blue). It’s also available in both Black and Camo*—a trend we’re starting to really like with these new jackets. The Ridgid 18V Heated Jacket can provide a full 18 hours of run-time in the Low setting if you use their new 4.0 Ah Hyper lithium-ion battery (not included). Given that the jacket is well-insulated on its own, that’s a great amount of heat for hunting, fishing, working or any outdoor activity. Needless to day, an 18V battery or two can keep you warm all day on the job site.
*The Camo versions are currently only available in select Home Depot stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Alaska.
About the only thing we’re disappointed with on the Ridgid 18V Heated Jacket is that it’s only available in Large, XL and 2XL. Since these jackets need to fit snugly for best effect, those of us who are smaller in stature won’t be able to partake—at least not yet. The jacket comes with an 18V battery adapter that is compatible with all Ridgid 18V sled-style batteries and it includes a 2.1-amp USB output for charging phones, tablets and other devices.
These jackets come with a multi-layered fabric that us water and wind-resistant, so the jackets should be warm and comfortable with or without the battery. The standard jacket includes the heated jacket with integrated power cord, the R86071 18V power source, and an operators manual while the kit also includes an 18V 3.0 Ah battery and a charger.
Ridgid 18V Heated Jacket Specifications & Features
- Sizes: L, XL, 2XL
- Battery: 18V Lithium-ion
- USB output: 2.1 amp
- Run-time: Up to 18 hours with 4.0 Ah Hyper lithium-ion battery
- 3 Core heat zones
- Heated pockets
- Heat settings: 3 per zone [Low (Blue), Medium (White), and High (Red)]
- Water and wind resistant
- Multi-layered fabric technology
- Expandable battery pouch
- Removable belt clip
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Available Models & Sizes
- R8702B, R8703B, R8703B (Black Jacket Only (L, XL, 2XL) – $149
- R8712B, R8713B, R8714B (Camo Jacket Only) (L, XL, 2XL) – $169
- R8702K, R8703K, R8704K (Black Jacket w/Battery & Charger Kit) (L, XL, 2XL) – $199
The launch date for the Ridgid 18V Heated Jacket is January 2014, so look for them soon at your local Home Depot store and at select Ridgid dealers throughout the country.